|
Post by Kyle Darby on Oct 14, 2014 2:48:47 GMT -5
admirable
Translate Button
[ad-mer-uh-buh l]
adjective
1.
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval,reverence, or affection.
2.
excellent; first-rate.
If you had to pick three pullers that you admire the most who are your top three? What makes them admirable? This is an open ended topic so I encourage contrast and freedom of expression.
|
|
|
Post by Kyle Darby on Oct 14, 2014 3:03:02 GMT -5
1. John Brzenk he is the epitome of armwrestling. His accomplishments will never be touched. I think he is the common thread thst binds all pullers. John is hands down the greatest.
2. Ron Bath has a very decorated resume. Aside from being a legend Ron is a man of tremendous character. Ron is one of the kindest most humble athletes I have had the honor of meeting. Ron exhibits a total package persona. He is seasoned, fit, diverse, well rounded, and competitive.
3. Sam Hattabaugh jr is my coach, friend, mentor, brother, and teammate all wrapped up in one. Sam is one of the nicest people you could meet. His accomplishments span multiple decades and are very impressive. Sam aside from his own accomplishments takes a vested interest in his teammates. Sam is an encyclopedia of sport related knowledge. Sam has served instrumental in the success of others. He was at my very first practice and to this day is my go to guy.
|
|
|
Post by John Milne on Oct 14, 2014 16:57:49 GMT -5
Richard Lupkes - Anyone who knows this man generally says the same thing. A true gentleman. I think the most respectful elite level athlete I've ever met. I don't think you'd find a negative comment about his character anywhere... that says a lot in the age of social media.
Devon Larratt - Nobody has taught more armwrestlers than him period... and at the absolute highest level. His sheer number of training videos speak volumes. His seminars are the best by far judging by everything I've read and seen. What this man is and does off the table makes armwrestling pale in comparison. He's an incredible father, husband, team mate and friend. He's been a bit of a mystery through his career but once his full story is told (if it ever is) will be worthy of the highest admiration.
There are many others that I admire of course but for me these two stand literally head and shoulders above the rest. Their characters, accomplishments, ability to awe and inspire, dedication to our sport, and willingness to share their time and stand on even ground with anyone is what does it for me. I could go on but I'm closing in on the man crush zone here.
|
|
|
Post by Zach Creel on Oct 14, 2014 17:32:26 GMT -5
John Brzenk - Obvious answer is obvious. The GOAT in terms of arm wrestling. His accomplishments will more than likely never be matched/surpassed. And everyone loves an elite athlete who has a quiet/calm/humble demeanor. Kind of like Travis has........ Devon Larratt - Gonna completely agree with Milne on his comment about Devon and the amount of people he has taught. His and the high hookers training videos were pretty much the foundation/motivation for me when i first started being interested in arm wrestling. I don't know how many hrs I have put in to watching their videos past few years and still watch to this day. And that is not even to mention seminars and other things he does that i have no clue about. I also like his style of wearing sandals when he pulls because i've always been a huge sandals guy lol. Khazimurat Zoloev - Posting him just because he is one of my favorite pullers to watch. P4P one of the best. I loved the match with him and Toddzilla even though Todd handled him pretty good.
|
|
|
Post by Evan Keller on Oct 14, 2014 21:30:01 GMT -5
Larratt- awesome guy. First time I met him he was so kind and shared more advice than I can even explain. Great teacher, takes the time to truly learn and master every aspect and is a beast. I think what he does for a living takes great courage and for these reasons he's admirable.
Brzenk- no explanation required.
Crazy George- taught me and so many others everything. Just like Devon he is super knowledgeable. He is willing to share, learn, critique, and also receive advice from those around him. Older than queen Elizabeth and stronger than Cleve Dean's socks. Has literally talked for hours on the phone with me about matches ranging from first timers to world champs. George is the best training partner ever and I can guarantee he has better stories than anyone, anywhere, period. He's kicked more ass since he was sixty than the average person ever will. Finally he is personally responsible for prepping several national and world level pullers and expects/accepts no compensation for his efforts. He truly just loves the sport and wants it to continue growing.
|
|
|
Post by Kyle Darby on Oct 14, 2014 23:27:26 GMT -5
It's not necessarily an easy task pinpointing three. I like that everyone's answers and experiences are unique. Good feedback so far, thanks guys.
|
|
|
Post by Joe Dimino on Oct 15, 2014 7:37:10 GMT -5
He's been a bit of a mystery through his career but once his full story is told (if it ever is) will be worthy of the highest admiration. Care to elaborate? Zach, Travis has come to our practices several times and he is an outstanding teacher, very smart both technically and tactically and good at saying things in a way you can understand. He's very down to earth and humble, I hate to break it to you but George the Animal Steel didn't walk around town growling and biting a turnbuckle all day. I know you were probably kidding but I figured I'd put that out there.
|
|
|
Post by Zach Creel on Oct 15, 2014 8:05:07 GMT -5
He's been a bit of a mystery through his career but once his full story is told (if it ever is) will be worthy of the highest admiration. Care to elaborate? Zach, Travis has come to our practices several times and he is an outstanding teacher, very smart both technically and tactically and good at saying things in a way you can understand. He's very down to earth and humble, I hate to break it to you but George the Animal Steel didn't walk around town growling and biting a turnbuckle all day. I know you were probably kidding but I figured I'd put that out there. Yeah it was an obvious joke.
|
|
|
Post by Mike Cocchi on Oct 15, 2014 8:38:45 GMT -5
Great topic Kyle...
Here are mine in no particular order.
1. Luke Kindt 2. Todd hutchings 3. Devon
I picked these three for many of reasons, but the main reason is each of these guys worked their way to the top of their class right in front of my very eyes(time in the sport), so I know it can be done by anyone who wants to train as hard as them.
All three are very motivating to me, to watch, listen too and seek out for advice.
|
|
|
Post by TK on Oct 15, 2014 10:13:42 GMT -5
1. Kyle Darby: he's always positive and peace loving.... He loves the sport and more people should have his attitude!
2. Tom Nelson: let's throw out the text bombing and random nude pictures he text...but the guy has passion and I watched first hand how a class act superstar of the sport "really is" he'll forever be 3-2 in my book! And he cries too... A lot... lol SO
3. Christ Russakis / Tom Faas These guys are pioneers of this sport in the state of Florida! They've literally given their all and should be recognized for their admirable contributions!'
That's my 3....
There's more
TK
|
|
|
Post by Kyle Darby on Oct 16, 2014 12:28:22 GMT -5
I would say Gary Roberts is a good candidate as well. For his vision and purpose behind ArmTV. For years the man lived and breathed arm wrestling. Few people have made as significant of sacrifice as Gary Roberts. His passion and excitement is unrivalled. Gary is a good dude and undoubtedly loves the sport.
|
|
|
Post by Richard Gough on Oct 18, 2014 12:23:41 GMT -5
David Patton he has helped me become a better toproller over the years . Jr Hostler. Is 61 and is still one of the best 198 pullers in the country. He has helped me in my hook alot. Cobra Rhodes I've been pulling since 86 and his name has always been there for the man to beat. He will always be part of the sport even after he is long gone
|
|
Las Botha
Silver Member
South Africa
Posts: 298
|
Post by Las Botha on Oct 19, 2014 13:38:02 GMT -5
MVP: Devon Larratt Would likely be the pick of most. Popular athlete and for reasons given above here. He knows how to access and apply his fighting spirit and become less mindful of the Self. Devon’s taken some flak on among other things the King’s Move saga. He never promoted the King’s Move- he’s promoting a sort of freedom of expression in armwrestling and stands for broadening the horizons of the sport and its’ athletes in general which speaks of his character. Importantly he’s taken a stance on the issue of PED’s in the sport, insisting in some instances on testing and shedding light on an ugly issue. Most would remain silent or be caught- A single elite armwrestler free of PED’s can inspire a generation.
Ivan Matyushenko Archetypal Russian badass; gets up there and gets the job done. No fuss, no frills. Notable sports coach and ambassador. Actively involved in promoting armwrestling and shares his training. Before his old site was taken down he had quite a few training videos and published articles. Also, from what I’ve seen, heard and read there is reason to believe he’s been a clean athlete too.
Engin Terzi The man’s full of beans, but regardless he’s a hardcore armwrestler though and through and has proven the worth of hard work and dedication with a hint of insanity, or he would still be losing matches to his mother and sister. He speaks to my noob heart. Also, he’s been outspoken on the issue of PED’s.
Special mention: Tim Bresnan Inspires one to train parkour alongside armwrestling.
|
|
|
Post by Kyle Darby on Oct 20, 2014 16:57:18 GMT -5
As many views as there are I'm surprised there isn't more entries
|
|
|
Post by Alan Berget on Oct 20, 2014 17:50:59 GMT -5
For me it would have to be cobra, Bill Ballinger, and john brzenk
|
|